(May 19, 2023 – Toronto, ON) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement of support for First Nations in the Ontario Region who have voiced their opposition to the proposed federal Metis self-government legislation:
“I wholeheartedly support First Nations in the Ontario region in opposing the proposed federal Métis self-government legislation and the recognition of “new” Métis historic communities on our Ancestral and Treaty territories,” said Regional Chief Hare. “First Nations in the Ontario region are deeply concerned about Canada’s recognition of all communities represented by the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) as section 35 rights-holders.”
“I want to acknowledge the numerous calls from First Nations to the Government of Canada to stop introducing federal legislation that that would implement the MNO-Canada Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement (MNO Agreement).
Over the span of the last two weeks, I have been made aware of statements from the Wabun Tribal Council, Robinson-Huron Waawiindamaagewin, Grand Council Treaty #3, Temagami First Nation, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and the Association of Manitoba Chiefs. I stand with each of them in challenging Canada’s recognition of the MNO’s right to self-governance, and strongly urge Canada not to proceed with the implementation of the MNO Agreement. Canada has failed to consult any First Nations, nor has Canada considered evidence that further proves that these so-called MNO communities never existed historically.
I am also seeing heightened news activity covering this issue. I am pleased to see this issue gaining national momentum and bringing the issue to the attention of the broader public to learn about further regarding the importance of preserving the legitimacy of Indigenous rights. This is a serious matter, and this federal legislation has already negatively impacted our First Nations rights-holders.
First Nations in the Ontario region support the legitimate claims of all Indigenous Peoples. However, this is not the case with regards to the MNO’s claims. The recognition of the MNO and its communities are built on unfounded claims and evidence that undermines our true history and legitimate inherent rights-holders.”
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare
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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.
Further Reading:
- Temagami First Nation and the Teme-Augama Anishnabai Oppose Proposed MNO Self-Government Legislation – May 3, 2023
- Grand Council Treaty #3 Rejects Métis Claim as Treaty Participant, Opposes Proposed MNO Self-Government Legislation – May 4, 2023
- AMC Fully Supports All Efforts of Treaty 9 First Nations to Protect Their Treaty and Traditional Territories, Including Legal Challenge of Canada – Metis Self-Government Agreement – May 8, 2023
- ‘An existential threat:’ First Nations challenge Ontario Métis self-government deal – May 2, 2023
- Opposition from First Nations mounts over Métis Nation of Ontario self-government deal – May 4, 2023
- Canada accused of stonewalling in court challenge to Métis Nation of Ontario self-government deal – May 9, 2023
- Robinson-Huron chiefs challenge Metis government recognition – May 9, 2023
- Métis Nation sovereignty recognition challenged – May 9, 2023
Media Contact:
Christopher Hoyos
Director of Policy and Communications
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: (416) 579-4998
Email: Chris.Hoyos@coo.org
